PZ 7 


FT MEADE 

GenCo 1 1 


•* P 

4 ‘ . i 

1 i 


<4 • . yif ' 


Du 

Copy 1 




if 

Iti 

v_ 


li 


{ : 
■f , 







i . 













1 



PRESENTED HY 


















































■ 

























■ 



































































* 4 ‘ Good evening, ladies ! ’ ” 

*% 







England 

Xy 

Plorei\cc trEdit.\Scann.ell 


BOSTON 

DANA ESTES AND CO. 


PUBLISHERS 












V sj'.j: - 

2u ' v!'. 0 , 3 












( 

C 
























CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND 

Oulcc's promise. 


“ December the 15 th, 1789. 

“My dearest Cousin Cynthia, 

“ I take this Opportunity of writing you a few lines, as 
Aunt Lavinia is sending a Letter to your Father, I am over- 
joyed to say, accepting his kind Invitation to spend Christmas 
with you at Langton Hall. I have been in a tremour of expec- 
tation since Uncle Jasper’s letter arrived for fear my Aunt 
should give way to Atkins’ representations of the Dangers of 
Cold, Robbers, the Horses, &c., &c. But at last the Decision is 
made, happily, for I should have died with Disappointment had 
she refused ; and we shall meet again, dear Friend ! 

“ Aunt Lavinia has rehearsed our behaviour so often, should 
we meet with Highwaymen or any misadventure on the Road, 
that I verily believe she will be quite aggrieved if Something 
does not occur ! As it is, we are to start very early in order to 
arrive at the Hall by daylight, and hope to be with you about 
three o’clock next Tuesday. How I shall exist till then 1 
cannot tell. My new Pelisse has come home, and I think you 
will find it passable ; and Miss Trimmins is coming to-morrow 
about my Evening Gown. Reserving all further News till I have 
the happiness of once more embracing you, believe me, dearest 
Cynthia 

“Your devotedly-attached Cousin, 

“ Dulcinea Ormonde. 

a P.S. — I forgot to send my best Remembrances to Cousin 


6 


CHRISTMAS IN ENCLAND. 


Dick— if he has not quite forgotten me since last Summer. It 
was very kind and thoughtful of my Uncle to offer to send us an 
Escort, but Aunt Lavinia has refused I know, as she said two 
such mere Lads as Dick and his Friend would be no protection, 
but rather an Anxiety than otherwise.” 



The writer of this letter was a young girl of fifteen or 
sixteen years old : rich brown curls fell round a sweet, fair oval 
face, with bright hazel eyes and a fresh complexion. Her rosy 
lips parted over her little white teeth in a happy smile as she 
wrote the postscript, then folded and sealed the letter, and ran 
lightly downstairs to her aunt’s room. 

“ Here is my letter, Aunt Lavinia,” she said to a buxom, 
cheery-looking old lady, busily engaged in knitting. 

“Very well, child ; give it to me; I will fold it in mine and 
despatch them.” 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


7 


She laid down her work, examined the address, and placed 
it inside her own epistle, which she sealed with great care and 
deliberation. 

“ Shall I take it to Thomas, dear aunt ?” 

The old lady paused ; her niece watched with breathless 
anxiety, till at last she nodded, and said — 

“ Well, I suppose it must go. Jasper will think it unkind if 
we do not spend Christmas with him once more.” 

Du Ice did not give her 
aunt time for more delibera- 
tion, but ran off with the 
letter, and did not return 
until she had seen Thomas 
safely out of the house and 
on his way. 

Dulce Ormonde was the Pm- 
only child of Miss Lavinia 
Langton’s niece, who had 
married a young lieutenant. 

Both had died not many 

years after their marriage, and Miss Langton had adopted 
the little orphan and treated her with the greatest tenderness. 
She was a handsome old lady, with a very benevolent expres- 
sion, and the poor knew that no appeal was made to her in 
vain. 



“ Shall I read to you, auntie ?” enquired Dulce, as she sat 
demurely down before her tambour-frame. 

“ No, my love, thank you. I think I must call in Atkins and 
consult her as to the state of my wardrobe, and settle what she 
is to prepare for our visit to the Hall.” 

Atkins was sent for, and a grave consultation followed 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


8 

“ A new cap you must have, ma’am : and Miss Ormonde’s 
feathers are out of curl ” — and so on. 

Dulce discovered that all the work she had been doing must 
be unpicked, for her thoughts were anywhere but on her occu- 
pation, so she put it away and went to the spinet, and sang 
some quaint old songs that took her 
aunt’s thoughts back many a long 
year, when she was as young — ay, 
and as pretty — as her great-niece. 

At last the memorable Tuesday 
came. Dulce was up early, and 
asking eagerly if the roads were in 
good condition. 

It was frosty, but clear and dry, 
and the sun shone brightly as the 
carriage started off. 

“ At this rate, we shall be there 
before three,” observed Aunt Lavinia, 
as she wrapped her warm fur- 
trimmed mantle more closely round 
her. 

“ Is it not a delightful day, dear aunt ? They will be skating 
on the pond at the Hall, doubtless.” 

Miss Langton smiled at the bright young face under the 
large felt hat which became her niece so well. 

“You are still but a child, Dulce, and therefore may enjoy 
such violent exercise ; but in my time, skating was not considered 
a pastime for young ladies. I think Cynthia is encouraged by 
her father and brothers to be too much of a hoyden.” 

Dulce chattered on gaily till they reached the inn where they 
were to have luncheon and give the horses a rest An hour’s 



CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


9 


longer drive would almost bring them to their journey’s end 
The brightness of the short winter’s day was nearly over ; the 
sun was already beginning to sink, when, to Miss Langton’s 
great annoyance, the coachman appeared, to say a shoe of one 
of the horses was loose, and must be seen to before they could 
go on. 

“Well, well, Jacob, of course we must submit ; but it seems 
to me that some one has been very careless.” 

“ I’ve been nigh upon twenty year ” began the deeply- 

injured coachman. 

“ Well, never mind, Jacob ; of course it is not your fault ; of 
that you need not assure me. But were they not all right when 
we started ?” 

“ I could take my Bible oath on’t, ma’am ; but the ostler 
here, he come to me and he says, says he, ‘ One of them ’ere 
’osses have got a shoe loose.’ ” 

“Very well, then have it seen to at once, Jacob. Do not let 
us waste any more valuable time in discussing it. Our lives may 
all depend upon it” 

“ Lor, ma’am !” and Jacob hurried off to give orders, and 
then settled himself comfortably down in the bar-parlour, with a 
long pipe and a mug of ale, to talk to the host. 

It was nearly dusk before the carriage was announced to 
be in readiness, and Atkins was told to come inside by Miss 
Langton. 

“ It is too cold for you in the rumble now, Atkins ; put the 
bandbox down beside you.” 

“ Thank you, ma’am, I prefer to keep it in my own hands ; 
the bows on the cap might get shook up if the box rolled off 
the seat,” said the maid, sitting up stiffly opposite Dulce, who 
was beginning to feel rather sleepy from the long drive. Miss 


10 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND 


Lavinia was just dozing off comfortably, when a voice in the 
road shouted — 

“ Hold! No farther, at your peril!” and the carriage stopped 
suddenly. Two men rode up, one on each side, and one, in 
a black mask, raising his hat slightly, put his head in at the 
window, and said, “Good evening, ladies !” 

Atkins immediately began to shriek at the top of her voice, 
“Murder! Fire! Thieves! Help!” 

“Stop your noise, woman !” said the man (also masked) at 
the window nearest her, in a gruff voice, “ or I will silence you,” 
presenting a pistol at her. “ Give me that box ; I see, by the 
way you are clinging to it, that it contains something of value.” 

“ Oh, no, no ! not that ! anything but that ! Here, take my 
bag ! ” cried Atkins, in despair. 

Miss Langton had by this time recovered her voice. “ Un- 
hand me, ruffian !” she exclaimed, sternly. 

“ Certainly, madam. I would not venture to lay a finger on 
you. All I desire is a trifling remembrance of this very fortunate 
meeting. Your watch or your purse,” answered the highwayman 
politely. 

“ You are probably not aware that my nephew is a justice ol 
the peace, and you will rue this attack upon us.” 

“ Thankye, ma’am, for your information ; we will keep out of 
his way,” said the man with a cool impertinence that exasperated 
the old lady. 

“ I will scream for help ! I will order my coachman to drive 
on!” she said, trying to rise. But the sight of the pistol in the 
fellow’s hand caused her to subside, trembling. 

“Oh, sirs, I beg of you do not injure my aunt! It is 
cowardly of you to attack defenceless women,” cried Dulce, 
with spirit. 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


II 


“ Nay, do not be alarmed, sweet lady ; we do not intend to 
hurt one hair of your heads, if you will only be reasonable,” 
put in the other man, in a voice that was evidently disguised. 

“ Jiere, take my purse and go, you vagabonds!” said Miss 
Langton, handing over her reticule with shaking hands ; while 
the robber on Dulce’s side continued — 

“ Give me that little gold chain off your neck, fair lady, and 
we will molest you no longer.” 

“ It is of no value, I assure you,” said Duke, hesitating. 




* v *‘ 





* But I shall value it exceedingly for the sake of the wearer,” 
said the man. Here Atkins, seeing his attention diverted from 
her, began to shriek again, and Dulce hastily tore the chain, to 
which a little cornelian heart was attached, from her neck, and 
Implored the men to leave them. 

“ A heart ! This is indeed more than I dared hope,” said the 
robber. “ It shall never leave me, sweet lady, until you give me 
something more valuable in exchange.” 

Dulce’s cheeks burned under these impertinent sallies and 
the bold eyes that seemed to shine through the holes of the 


12 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


mask her assailant wore. The sight of the pistol raised towards 
her head had again silenced Atkins, who closed her eyes tightly 
and clung desperately to the band-box. 

“Many thanks, dear ladies! Your most devoted slaves!” 
said the men, raising their hats and riding off at a gallop. 
Atkins felt the band-box wrenched from her grasp. Jacob got 
slowly down from the box and looked anxiously in at the 
ladies. 

“ I hope them ruffians haven’t injured you, ma’am ?” he 
enquired, his usually red cheeks looking pale. “ I saw it wasn’t 
no use struggling against such numbers.” 

“ Drive on quickly, Jacob,” said Dulce, who saw her aunt had 
not recovered from her alarm. “ We are uninjured.” 

“Uninjured, miss!” groaned Atkins. “I believe the villain 
has well-nigh broken my arms with the force he wrenched the 
band-box out of my hands. And mistress’s best cap gone! 
Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! why did we ever come out on such a 
journey, without a force of armed men to protect us? Poor 
lone females !” 

“ Hush, Atkins!” said her mistress. “ It is fortunate indeed 
we are alive ; had I not kept my presence of mind, it is most 
likely we should have been all murdered. Such daring ruffians ! 
My poor little girl, I fear you are in a terrible state of fright.” 

“ Not now, Aunt Lavinia ; but I was frightened when I saw 
the pistols,” answered Dulce, whose eyes had filled with tears at 
the loss of her treasured little ornament 

What an excitement was caused by their arrival at the 
Hall, and the account of their adventure ! The Squire was 
furious. 

“ So near ! And at this time, too r Why, it is hardly five 
o’clock ! The impudent rascals ! However, they shall not 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 1 3 

escape, if I hunt the county over myself. The boys went out 
to meet you. I hope they will come across the knaves.” 

“Oh, the poor lads! What could they do against such 
desperate ruffians— armed, too, to the teeth!” exclaimed Miss 
Lavinia. 



* Come into the parlour, dear Aunt Lavinia,” said Cynthia, 
“and have a dish of tea. Poor little Duke looks as white as a 
sheet — and no wonder and, followed by the troop of younger 
children, she hurried them into the cheerful room, where the 
bright fire and hot tea revived the cold and weary travellers. 

Cynthia was the Squire’s only daughter, a bright-eyed, 
lively girl of seventeen. Her mother was dead, and she kept 
house for her father, with whom she also went out hunting, 


14 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


romped with the younger brothers, and fished and skated with 
the elder ones. Before tea was over, the eldest son came in 
with Sir Roger Cunningham, his college friend, who had come 
to spend Christmas with the Langtons. Dick was a handsome, 
well-grown youth of nineteen or twenty, whose blue eyes shone 
with fun and merriment His friend was a year or two older, 
slighter and darker, but equally good looking. They expressed 
their horror and indignation at the assault, and so many threats 
of vengeance were uttered with such vigour and wrath, that 
Duke, in her gentle heart, fervently hoped the highwaymen 
would not fall into their hands. 

“Would you know either of them again, Miss Langton,” 
enquired Sir Roger, “should they be brought to justice ?” 

“ I think so. The one who attacked me was a burly ruffian, 
some inches taller than yourself, with a ferocious cast of counte- 
nance, and, if I mistake not, had a violent squint.” 

Sir Roger started. “ But I thought he was masked, madam ?” 

“Yes, but my eyes are very sharp, and at once penetrated 
his disguise ; and I should recognise his voice.” 

“ Anything but a sweet one, I should imagine?” 

“ No, indeed, a rasping, grating sound, like those low-born 
fellows generally have. But have you seen anyone answering to 
this description. I fancy you started just now ?” 

“ In truth, ma’am, I think I recognize the villain in one I saw 
not far from here to-day.” 

“ And the ruffian who attacked you, cousin Duke,” enquired 
Dick, in his gentlest tone, “was he very rough and rude?” 

“ Rough ! no,” answered Dulce ; “ rather too polite and 
flowery in his language. I should rather imagine him to be 
some poor ruined gentleman who had descended to this way of 
getting a living. I observed, when I accused them of cowardice 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


15 


in attacking defenceless women, that a blush of shame seemed 
to mount to his face. And his hands were small and well 
shaped.” 

“ Well done, Dulce ! I see you were not too alarmed to take 
observations,” laughed Cynthia. “ I fancy you feel almost 
kindly disposed to your ‘poor ruined gentleman/ as you call 
him” 

“ No, indeed, for he deprived me of something I valued very 
much.” 

" Ha, what was that ?” cried Dick, eagerly. 

Dulce blushed, and declined to say. “ Never mind, it is 
gone, and I shall never see it again,” she said, sadly. 

“ Never ? That is a long day. Let me know what it is, and 
I promise you, if it is possible, you shall have it soon again.” 

“ No, it is useless, Dick ; thank you all the same.” 

The Squire wrote down all the particulars and description of 
the highwaymen, and declared that, if caught, they should be 
made to smart for their behaviour. “ I don’t think hanging 
would be too much for such rogues, and that’s what they’ll get, 
I expect.” 

“ Oh, nephew, that is rather severe, I think !” said Miss 
Langton. 

Dick rushed off to try and get further particulars from 
Jacob. He asked him how many there were of the robbers, 
and if he could identify them. 

“ Laws me, Mr. Richard, there was four of ’em at least, and, 
as to identiflying into ’em, I’d soon ha’ done it, if I hadn’t had 
to hold the ’osses. The poor beasts would have had a score of 
bullets in them in no time ; so my hands was tied, so to 
speak, sir.” 

“ Four ! But the ladies say two ! Are you sure you hadn’t 


l6 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND 


-been enjoying the ale at the “Sun” there, and couldn’t count 
straight, eh, Jacob ?” 

“ I’ve bin nigh upon twenty year ” began Jacob, in his 

injured voice, which made Dick say hastily — 



“ Oh, it’s only my fun, Jacob! But could you swear to any 
of them ?” 

“ Well, it was pretty nigh dark, but there was a grey cob, 

and a chestnut, and a black mare, and two browns ” 

“Oh, that will do, Jacob! I’m afraid we can’t take up the 
horses,” said Dick, as he sauntered back to the Hall. 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


17 

I never saw my father so incensed about anything before. 
Aunt Lavinia, observed Dick, later in the evening, sitting down 
beside his great-aunt. “He is positively furious, and has 
already set about tracking those men who had the audacity to 
attack you ; and let me tell you, when he has once made up 
his mind about a thing, ’tis very seldom he does not succeed. 
Those men, I feel, are doomed.” 

Miss Langton felt some compunction at having given so 
many particulars about the appearance of the robbers and the 
way they had taken. 

“ I should like them to be prevented carrying on their evil 
trade, Dick, but I should be grieved if your father was too 
severe. After all, who knows what misfortunes may have 
driven them to it.” 

“ Ah, Aunt Lavinia, your kind heart would incline to let 
them off! but we do not intend to give up hunting for them. 
In fact, I believe Roger and I have a clue already,” he added, 
dropping his voice mysteriously. 

“ Promise me, Dick, to say nothing to your father till I give 
you leave.” 

“Very well, aunt, it shall be as you wish,” answered Dick, 
reluctantly. “ But we shall not let them escape, I assure you.” 

Atkins was still in a tearful condition when her mistress 
retired to her room that night. She could not console herself 
for the loss of the beautiful new cap that Miss Langton was to 
have appeared in on Christmas Day, when they expected a 
large party to dine and to a dance the Squire always gave in 
the great Hall. 

“ The very finest India muslin — the best cap that Miss 
Furbelow had ever made for you, ma’am ; the bows stood out 
that beautiful.” 


i8 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“The only wonder is, Atkins, that we got off with so little 
loss. After all, my purse was not very full, and the cap is no 
great matter,” said Miss Langton. 

“ Oh, if I only had him here for a minute. I’d know him all 
the world over, out of the lot of them. Jacob saw four, and 
I believe there were several more dodging about behind.” 

“ How would you know him, Atkins ?” asked Dulce. 

“Well, miss, he was that imperent for one thing, and then 
his hair was bright red — what one calls carrotty — and all frizzly. 
I saw it when he took off his hat, drat his impudence — begging 
your pardon, ma’am.” 

“ Well, he will be very disappointed when he finds his booty 
only consists of an old lady’s cap, I imagine ; that must be your 
consolation, Atkins!” said Miss Langton. “ Heigho! I shall be 
very glad to get to bed ; and you, too, little one, must be worn 
out with fatigue and excitement. So good-night ! Heaven 
bless you, my child ! ” 

Dulce kissed her aunt affectionately and went to her room, 
where she found Cynthia waiting to have a gossip while they 
brushed their hair, sitting by the fire. Dulce confided her loss 
to Cynthia, who remembered that the little cornelian heart had 
been won from Dick in a wishing-game that summer. 

“ To-morrow we shall have some skating, and in the after- 
noon we must decorate the Hall for the dance on Christmas 
Night,” concluded Cynthia, as she kissed her cousin and left her 
to dream of the delights in prospect. 

The next morning, immediately after breakfast, Dulce was 
carried off to the pond for skating : the younger boys — Ralph, 
Jack, Oliver and Guy — fighting for the honour of carrying her 
skates, and arranging among themselves who was to be allowed to 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLANI-. 


19 


put them on for her. Dick settled all peremptorily by taking 
Duke under his own especial care, while Sir Roger devoted 
himself to Cynthia. A large number of friends and neighbours 
had taken advantage of the Squire’s permission to enter his 
grounds, and were skating merrily over the smooth ice. Dulce’s 
cheeks glowed with the exhilarating exercise as she skimmed 
over the frozen pond, feeling perfectly safe supported by Dick’s 



strong arm, while he careered along in high spirits, scarcely 
feeling the feather-weight of the slight figure, and thinking his 
little cousin had grown sweeter than ever, with her soft, shining 
hazel eyes and that pretty bright colour in her cheeks. He 
would hardly part with her to any other of the young fellows 
who were anxious for a turn with Dulce Ormonde. Lydia and 
Polly Woodford, the parson’s daughters, declared they did not 
think Oxford had improved Dick Langton — he had hardly 
a word to say to anyone but his cousin, a little schoolgirl. 


20 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“ I have been down to the village, trying to hunt up those 
ruffians,” observed Dick, when at last, panting and breathless, 
Dulce sat down beside Cynthia to rest a few moments. 



“ Oh, poor things ! I hope they won’t be very severe on 
them,” said soft-hearted Dulce. 

“ I hope they will get all they deserve, especially the villain 
that took away your treasure. He treated you brutally, didn’t 
he now ?” enquired Dick, with a fierce frown. 



CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


21 


“ Not so very ; in fact, he was rather polite and ceremo. 
nious,” answered Dulce. 

“ You know y°u told me you lost your heart to him, Dulce,” 
said Cynthia laughing, her eyes sparkling with mischief and 
excitement, as she prepared to start off once more hand in hand 
with her brother’s friend. 

“ Oh, Cynthia, how unkind you are !” cried Dulce. “ He was 
an ugly, red-haired creature, and I hate him !” 

“ Red-haired !” exclaimed Dick. 

“ Oh, I did not mean to tell you !” said Dulce. 

“Oh, I shall find him, never fear!” said Dick, rather fiercely. 

Shall we go on again ?” And once more they started off. 
‘ Now, Dulce, tell me what Cynthia meant,” said Dick, as he 
held her little hands in his firm grasp. 

“ Oh, only nonsense, of course !” faltered Dulce. 

“Well, I won’t tease you ; but if I succeed in getting back 
what you lost, will you be pleased ?” 

" Yes.” 

“ And will you promise to give me the reward I shall ask?” 

“ If it is in reason, and in my power,” answered Dulce, feeling 
assured he would never get back her little ornament. 

“ Thank you in advance,” cried Dick, cheerily. “ Now I am 
determined you shall have it again.” 

After the early dinner, the Squire announced that he had 
heard of a man answering somewhat to Aunt Lavinia’s descrip- 
tion who had been at one of the farms, and that he was going to 
ride over there that afternoon to make enquiries. Dick and 
Roger accompanied him, and Miss Langton retired to the cosy 
little boudoir to take her usual nap over her knitting, while the 
younger people busied themselves in decorating the big Hall 


22 


CHRISTMAS IN ERGLAN1X 



ever- 
greens, 
and the 
boys hung 
a huge bunch of 
mistletoe to the 
centre beam. The 
oak-panelled walls and 
old pictures contrasted pleasantly with 
the fresh green and scarlet berries. The 
merry laughter and joyous young voices 
sounded happily from one end of the ball- 
room to the other. The boys were sent to 
and fro to fetch more ivy and branches 
evergreens, which Cynthia and Duke wreathed 
into garlands. Dick and Sir Roger returned 
in the afternoon, only going part of the way with 
the Squire, and helped in the work, mounting 
ladders and festooning the wreaths as they were 
At last the room was pronounced to be perfect, and, after j 
contemplating their handiwork with immense satisfaction, they 
all went off to get ready for tea, after which the younger 
children had been promised a game at “ Blind Man’s Buff.” 

When Cynthia and Dulce came in to the boudoir, where 
they were to have tea with Aunt Lavinia, they found her in 
earnest conversation with Dick. 

“ I assure you, ma’am, you are much too tender-hearted and 
charitable,” the young man was saying. “ Now we have the 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


23 


ruffians in our power, ’twould be too hard to let them go scot 
free. I am sure my father would never consent to such a 
thing.” 

“ But, my dear boy, you acknowledge they seem repentant, 
and are willing to make restitution,” replied Aunt Lavinia, 
pleadingly. “ And, perhaps, they 
were in desperate want. Maybe 
they will be more likely to reform 
if treated with mercy.” 

“ Well, we will hear what my 
father says, Aunt Lavinia. Of 
course, I should be willing to do 
exactly as you wish,” said Dick, 
reluctantly, after having almost 
brought Miss Langton to the verge 
of tears. 

“ Then keep this between our- 
selves, Dick, and promise not to 
mention it to your father until I 
give you permission.” 

“Your wishes are my commands, 
of course, Aunt Lavinia. Believe 
me, I am only too willing to obey you.” 

“ Have you any fresh news of the robbers, Cousin Dick ?” 
enquired Dulce, when Dick brought her a cup of tea. 

“Yes. Roger and I have them in safe keeping, and could 
deliver them up to justice at very short notice ; but Aunt 
Lavinia is inclined to treat them with leniency.” 

“ But are you sure they are the same men ?” 

“ I have proofs !” and Dick showed her the long knitted 
silk purse her aunt had handed to the highwayman. 



24 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“Then they are quite near here ?” 

“Not far off, I admit. But do not be alarmed, sweet 
cousin ; you are safe under our protection.” 

The Squire returned, much disappointed at not having 
been successful in finding the thieves. The man he had 
gone after had turned out to be a harmless pedlar. He 
turned to his aunt, expressing his regret at not having been 
able to restore her stolen property* adding — “But I still have 
hopes ; I fancy they are not far from here. Y ou have not 
been lucky enough to find any traces of the rascals, I suppose, 
Dick ?” 

“ Why, sir ” stammered Dick, taken aback at this direct 

question, and looking towards Aunt Lavinia, who put her finger 
to her lips and shook her head. 

“Eh? What? Something has been found out?” cried the 
Squire. “ Out with it, Dick.” 

“ I am under a promise, sir,” said Dick. 

“ A promise ! To whom ?” 

“To Aunt Lavinia.” 

“My dear Jasper, I entreat you to let this affair rest. I 
am willing to spare the rogues. Christmas time should bring 
‘ peace on earth and goodwill towards men/ and I feel I 
should be doing wrong to pursue these poor wretches any 
further” 

“ But, my dear aunt, you surely would not like such ruffians 
to be let loose to continue their dishonest calling ? That would 
not be bringing peace to poor travellers !” 

“ No, but they are sincerely penitent” 

“Tut, tut! sincerely fiddlesticks ! Excuse me, ma’am, they 
but dissemble in order to be set free to continue their evil 
doings.” 



CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 2 5 

“ But if you were positively assured that they would reform, 
would you be willing to grant Aunt Lavinia’s request that they 
should be pardoned, sir ?” asked Dick, gravely. 


“ Why, yes, if I were positively sure of such a fact. But that 
is impossible,” returned the Squire. 

“ Then I can prove the fact, sir. Roger, let us produce our 
ruffians,” said Dick. 


26 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“ As we are assured of their pardon, agreed,” said Sir Roger, 
rising. 

Dick advanced to him, and, linking his arm in his friend’s, 
led him before Miss Langton, saying — 

“ Here, Aunt Lavinia. is the burly ruffian, with the ferocious 
cast of countenance and the squint, whom you could so easily 
identify.” 

“And here, madam,” added Sir Roger, before anyone had 
recovered from their amazement, “ is the other desperate villain 
who attacked you and wrenched the band-box from your 
maid.” 

“Dick! Sir Roger!) What is the meaning of this?” 
exclaimed the Squire. "'If you have been up to any of your 
mad pranks, egad, you shall smart for it !” 

“Your promise, sir !” claimed Dick. “ I assure you we shall 
not try that mode of gaining a living any more, and we really 
are sincerely penitent,” he went on, dropping on one knee 
before his aunt and kissing her hand. “ Dear Aunt Lavinia, a 
thousand pardons for having frightened you.” 

“You wicked boy! How could you do such a thing ?” said 
Aunt Lavinia, who could not help laughing as she remembered 
her description of the highwaymen. 

“ Well, it all came into our heads in a minute. We had 
started out to meet you, and were just talking about the way 
you had refused our escort ” (“ Ah, I understand now !” mur- 
mured Miss Langton), “ and one of us said, ‘ Let us play them 
a trick.’ No sooner said than done. We heard the carriage 
in the distance. Roger’s black stock made masks for us ; we 
cut holes for the eyes with my penknife, turned the brims of our 
hats down and the collars of our coats up, and were transformed 
into the two desperate ruffians you encountered.” 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


27 


“ Allow me, madam,” put in Sir Roger, advancing and 
bowing low before Aunt Lavinia, “to compliment you on the 
courage and presence of mind you displayed on that occasion.” 

Miss Langton smiled. But the Squire was not to be so 
easily mollified. “You young scamps ! Dick, I am very angry 



with you. You might have alarmed your aunt and cousin 
seriously, had they been less courageous and spirited.” 

“ Sir, had they shown any serious alarm, we should have 
discovered ourselves instantly. So self-possessed and brave 
were they that we almost believed they saw through our 
disguise, until we arrived home and found they had not 
done so.” 


28 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“ From the descriptions they gave ? Ha ! ha !” laughed the 
Squire, suddenly overcome by the ridiculous side of it. “You 
heard some wholesome truths at last — eh, Sir Roger. You 
thought you recognised the villain with the squint and the low- 
born voice, eh ? Ha ! ha ! ha !” 

All joined in the Squire’s laugh as Sir Roger stroked his 
chin and looked reproachfully at Miss Langton with his very 
handsome dark eyes, 

“ It must have been the mask,” he murmured. 

“ Well, we must forgive them, as their feelings may have 
been wounded with our remarks,” said Aunt Lavinia. 

“A burly ruffian — eh, Roger? Insolent rascals indeed, you 
may well call them, Aunt Lavinia i You are mighty kind to let 
them off so easily. But, as it is Christmas time, I suppose we 
must follow your good example. Now let us have a song, 
Roger — that is if Miss Langton will excuse your rasping voice!' 

“ I shall be delighted, sir, if it will not disturb the ladies.” 

“ Pray give us the pleasure,” said Miss Langton, Sir Roger 
looked at Cynthia — who was already at the spinet, to play hi> 
accompaniment — and, in his clear, sweet tenor, began the old 
song, “ Since first I saw your face.” 

Meanwhile Dick sat down by Dulce, and, hopelessly en- 
tangling her embroidery silk, on the pretence of arranging the 
skeins, asked in a low voice — 

“ Do you really hate the ugly red-haired wretch who stole 
your heart away, Dulce?” 

“ It was very unkind,” answered Dulce, drooping her eye- 
lashes on the soft pink cheeks ; “ but if he returns it, I may 
forgive him.” 

“You really value it then ?” 

“ It is a neat little ornament.” 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“ You promised, if I restored it to you, you would give me 
what I asked.” 

“ If in reason, and in my power.” 

“ I ask you to be my partner in the first dance to-morrow 
night, and in Sir Roger de Coverley.” 



“Willingly, Dick.” 

“ Thank you very much : also that you will always wear 
this in remembrance of this Christmas time.” 

Dulce blushed as she held out her hand for the little 
cornelian heart which Dick had produced from his breast- 
pocket. 


30 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“ Do you promise?” 

“Yes, Dick,” said Dulce, softly. Dick laid the heart in her 
little hand, and kissed the tips of her fingers as he did so. 

It was a sweet girlish figure that Dulce’s looking-glass 
reflected the next evening, as she gazed admiringly at the skirt 



of her first long dress of the softest India muslin and white 
ribbons ; her mother’s pearl necklace, and a white ribbon con- 
fining her long brown curls, her only ornaments besides the 
slender gold chain which held the little cornelian heart hidden 
in the folds of her bodice, 

“ Dear Dick ! Fancy calling his pretty curly hair red and 
frizzly 1 ” she thought, as she placed in her waistband the 
bouquet of snowdrops he had brought her. 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


31 


“ Come, Dulce,” called the cheerful voice of Cynthia ; “ are 
you ready ? The fiddlers are tuning up, and I can’t keep my 
feet in order, to walk seriously. Let me see how you look- 



Lud, my dear — perfectly sweet ! What a charming gown — so 
fresh and innocent ! How do you like mine? Father gave me 
the silk ; it came from India.” 

“ It is lovely ! That soft pale pink becomes you exactly I** 
admired Dulce ; and what an exquisite posy !” 


32 


CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND. 


“Yes,” answered Cynthia, blushing brightly. “Sir Roger 
left it at my door just now. But come along, if you are ready. 
Aunt Lavinia is already below.” 

Dick and Sir Roger were waiting for them at the door, and 
soon after, the guests began to arrive, and the first dance was 
formed. Dick came to claim Dulce as his partner. 

“ That is quite as it should be,” observed the Squire to Miss 
Langton, who sat watching the couples, stately in her rich satin, 
a kerchief of the finest muslin over her shoulders, and the cap, 
its bows and frills luckily uninjured by its vicissitudes. “ I 
foresee that my Cynthia will soon be presiding over a home of 
her own. Sir Roger has already asked my permission to pay 
his addresses to her, and I do not think they are likely to 
be rejected. He is a noble young fellow, and I am content 
to trust my daughter to him, — especially as his father was a 
valued friend of mine. And there is no one I should like to 
take her place here, better than your sweet little Dulce.” 

“ Dulce is a mere child as yet,” answered Miss Lavmia. 

“ Her mother was not very much older when she was 
married,” returned the Squire ; “ and Dick will be twenty-one 
next year.” 

“You are determined that I am to be robbed of something 
this Christmas,” said Miss Lavinia, with a smile. “ Both Dulce 
and I will have cause to remember our visit to Langton and 
the Highwaymen we met on the road.” 


Efye ISnfc, 


I 




















r 
















$ • 

. 

















I 





